Design Milk Travels to? Scottsdale, Arizona

Design Milk Travels to? Scottsdale, Arizona

If you're planning a trip out to Scottsdale, Arizona, check out our Travel Guide for an itinerary that's made for the modern adventurer.

Scottsdale, Arizona likes to bring attention to its wild and untamed side, underlining its picturesque and perilous Sonoran desert surroundings. But the fact is the wild western vibe ? while still as visible as the towering stature of saguaro cacti dotting the landscape ? is fading into the sunset, allowing the city’s mid-century and contemporary pedigree to shine. Luxe and cosmopolitan options are aplenty, each attracting vacationers looking to spend the day outdoors getting dusty and dirty, then clean up for a cocktail-fueled night on the town. For Angelenos like myself, Scottsdale is distant enough to deliver all the benefits of a vacation, while close enough to rank high as a candidate for a long weekend getaway. The Design Milk guide below shares some of our favorites spots we’ve visited through the years, in and around the ?West?s most Western town?:

One of our favorite places for a sunset stroll is alongside the Soleri Bridge and Plaza, designed by renowned artist and architect, Paolo Soleri. Photo: Gregory Han
WHERE TO STAY
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa: Scottsdale Resort: If your idea of the perfect vacation is laying poolside with nary a thought about time ? with drinks always at an arm?s length ? then the upscale Andaz Resort has you covered three-fold with its trio of pools. But what we most remember about the luxury Hyatt-operated resort overlooking the Camelback Mountain are its 201 Alexander Girard-inspired guest bungalow-style rooms, the entirety stretched across a checkerboard of desert landscaped walkways all leading back to the resort?s communal pools, lounge, and eatery.
A womb with a view: Eero Saarinen’s Womb Chair and Ottoman is one of many mid-century pieces furnishing each room at the Andaz. Photos: Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa.
With rooms at the Andaz featuring names like the Eames Bungalow, Saarinen Bungalow, Girard House, and Albers House, it’s pretty clear the resort embraces the mid-century spirit that still looms prominently across Scottsdale. Rooms are decorated with a sophisticated mixture of mid-century classics mixed in with contemporary local furnishings and art, staying clearly outside the bounds of retro-kitsch decor. Small semi-private patios and enclosed backyard spaces permit sunbathing during the day and stargazing at night, affording guests a level of privacy always welcome while vacationing.
My inner introvert was pleased being given the option for privacy with our own miniature backyard at the Andaz (also ideal for stargazing at night; falling stars aren’t an uncommon sight).
The Scott: If Instagram is any indication of where we should stay next while in Scottsdale, we?re apt to reserve a night or two at The Scott Resort & Spa. The Scott presents a trendier side of Scottsdale; imagine a craft cocktail served with ...

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